COLCHESTER’S Labour group has pledged to build new homes for the elderly to ease pressure on the NHS, introduce wheelie bins and have a zero-tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour.

The group, headed up by St Andrew’s councillor Tim Young, made the promises as it launched its manifesto for the May 5 Colchester Council elections yesterday.

Labour currently has nine seats on the council, having formed part of the Liberal Democrat and Highwoods Independent Group administration for some years.

Despite this, Mr Young insisted a Labour vote would not be a ‘wasted vote’.

“It is an all-out election. We all start at nil, nil, nil, everybody’s vote will count,” he added.

“We are taking this election very seriously and are after every vote in every ward, every seat, and want to see either a Labour majority or a Labour-led council.”

This year the number of seats on the council will be cut from 60 to 51 and Labour candidates will stand in each ward.

Labour’s manifesto warns that if the Conservative opposition gained control of the council, it would be dominated by the county council which is also Tory-led.

Mr Young could not rule out a council tax rise of around 1 per cent if Labour was to deliver everything it hoped, but would also meet costs by reorganising existing resources.

Labour pledges to prioritise securing Colchester’s first ‘Extra Care Housing’ scheme - offering elderly residents independent living in newly built modern apartments, with a range of care services.

Mr Young said: “We would look to see that sort of scheme, offering more than sheltered accommodation does and taking the pressure off the NHS. The council would be financially collating with either the county council, someone privately or a charity.”

Mr Young placed a big emphasis on Labour continuing to market Colchester as a top tourist destination in the country.

It is supporting the Mercury Theatre’s £8.8million expansion plans and wants to ensure the Firstsite arts venue makes its exhibitions and events more accessible.

It wants to set up a regular forum to discuss public transport with the bus and train companies.

Colchester Labour says it will pursue ‘garden settlements’ where the infrastructure is put in before or alongside the new homes.

The Government says the council needs to build 900 homes a year.

Finally, Labour says it will make Colchester safer by more investment in CCTV cameras, more zone wardens, working more closely with the Police and zero tolerance of dog fouling, littering, fly tipping, anti-social behaviour and licensing breaches.